Why Choose Food Research Lab's FRL as Your Food Product Development (FPD) Consultant and Partner?

There are several options in almost every product area in today’s market, and the difficulty is in coming up with unique items that stand out and connect with customers. Food Research Lab's Food Research Lab takes a holistic approach to creating food and beverage products. We define, demographically target, and build effective goods through a sequential process for category selection and comprehension. The client can visit the lab to learn the process. We offer unlimited rounds of revisions to ensure customer satisfaction. The final product prototype, along with the documentation process, including the video (through email), will be shipped to the client, and in case the client is not satisfied with the video, a food technology consultant will visit the place for the product demo at the client’s costs.

What are the different forms that you deliver the Food Product Formulations?

The food industry is witnessing a new form of consumption. Keeping that in mind, we can formulate the products in the form of ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink, ready-to-mix, ready-to-serve, and ready-to-cook food products. We use ingredients that offer an added value to the development and improve its indulgence and sustainability in terms of its functional ingredients, plant-based food dyes, and natural preservatives with a clean label.

What are the sectors Food Research Lab cover?

We cover a wide range of sectors such as soups, sauces and dips, chips, tortillas, dry beverage powder, plant-based products, masalas, puddings, instant mixes and many more.

How is sensory testing been carried out?

Our sensory examination leads to the precise formulation and recipe recommendations. We develop data-driven design models based on sensory research and customer insights. The fact-based design methodology used by Food Research Lab reduces risk and gives our clients market confidence while cutting development time in half. With our dedicated sensory lab facility, our team takes satisfaction in creating and optimizing successful products in the marketplace, generating a favourable return on investment, and developing brand advocates.

One common question from pet owners is, "What are these chemical-sounding names on the pet food label?" These names often refer to essential vitamins and minerals that play a vital role in your pet’s health. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the sources, purpose, and importance of these nutrients in pet food formulations.

Understanding Sources of Vitamins and Minerals in Pet Food

Interesting News . Nov 21, 2024

One common question from pet owners is, “What are these chemical-sounding names on the pet food label?” These names often refer to essential vitamins and minerals that play a vital role in your pet’s health. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the sources, purpose, and importance of these nutrients in pet food formulations.

1. What vitamins and minerals are essential in pet food?

The AAFCO Nutrient Profiles specify 23 essential vitamins and minerals for dogs and 25 for cats. These nutrients are crucial for supporting a range of physiological functions, from immune health to bone strength and metabolism. Key examples include:

2. How are vitamins and minerals added to pet food?

To ensure that each pet food formulation meets these nutrient requirements, manufacturers typically include a vitamin and mineral premix— a blend of concentrated vitamins and minerals. This premix functions like a multivitamin/mineral supplement, providing the necessary nutrients in precise amounts to ensure that each serving of pet food is nutritionally balanced.

3. Why are there so many ingredients with “chemical-sounding” names?

Many of these names represent individual vitamins, minerals, or essential amino acids required for complete nutrition. Although they are added in small quantities, these nutrients are essential to ensure that the pet food meets health standards. Often, vitamins and minerals make up almost half of the ingredient list. Common examples of these names include:

4. How does removing the vitamin and mineral premix affect the ingredient list?

When the vitamin and mineral ingredients are removed, the ingredient list becomes much shorter and may only include whole food sources like meat, grains, and vegetables. Without these added nutrients, many pet foods would fall short of providing complete and balanced nutrition for pets, as most whole ingredients alone do not meet every nutrient requirement.

5. Are these added vitamins and minerals safe for my pet?

Yes, the vitamins and minerals in pet food are carefully regulated and balanced to support pet health without exceeding safe levels. Nutrient amounts are based on recommendations from AAFCO and other regulatory bodies, which ensure that the nutrient profile meets pets’ needs while minimizing risks of deficiency or excess.

6. Why is a vitamin and mineral premix necessary if the pet food contains real meat, grains, and vegetables?

While whole ingredients provide natural nutrients, they often lack certain vitamins or minerals in sufficient quantities. The premix ensures the pet food meets comprehensive dietary requirements, providing a balanced profile that supports overall health, growth, and maintenance at every life stage.

7. How can I identify these nutrients on pet food labels?

By law, pet food labels list all ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, in descending order by weight. Vitamins and minerals may appear under names like “vitamin A supplement” or “zinc sulfate.” Understanding that these names represent essential nutrients can provide reassurance about the nutritional value of the food.

For more on pet food ingredients and their nutritional role, visit Food Research Lab’s Pet Food Development Services. At FRL, we specialize in creating balanced and scientifically supported pet food formulations that meet all regulatory standards and provide optimal health benefits for pets.